Michigan considers new bills for gun control

A scramble to address individuals' gun rights -- nationally and locally -- has led to more legislation moving forward in the Michigan Senate.

One would potentially make Michigan-made firearms exempt from federal laws.

Kurt Weiss, spokesman for Gov. Rick Snyder, said it's still too early to make a call on the items.

"They haven't seen the light of the Senate floor yet," said Weiss. "The governor understands this is a dialogue that is happening in earnest at the federal level and if the gun legislation reaches (his) desk, he will give it thorough and thoughtful review as he does with all legislation."

Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Taub, R-Bloomfield Hills, put forth a resolution supporting Senate Bill 49, another law in the package.

The bill would provide confidentiality to gun and gun permit owners, allowing them to keep private the location of their weapons.

People not only have a right to bear arms; they have a right to privacy, added Taub. Her resolution was referred to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners' General Government Committee at a recent meeting.

Senate Bill 63 would create the "Michigan Firearms Freedom Act," according to language used in the judiciary committee. It would apply to firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition that were manufactured and retained in Michigan on or after Oct. 1 of this year.

Sponsored by Sen. Phil Pavlov, R- St. Clair Township, the bill would have no fiscal impact on the state.

Sen. Vincent Gregory says he's surprised that the bill moved so quickly through committee, and that sets a dangerous precedent.

"They passed this through based on what has happened in the federal government," Gregory said. "But there's been no changes in federal law."

Taub feels it probably won't go through.

"If the laws don't apply, then everyone would start talking about interstate commerce," she said. "I would like to have everything manufactured in Michigan ... but I don't think it's possible."

Snyder contends that he remains focused on the state's economy, and doesn't feel gun legislation that includes exempting Michigan-made guns and ammunition from federal regulations is a priority.

In December, Snyder vetoed Senate Bill 59, which would have allowed concealed pistol license holders who completed additional training to carry a pistol in places like schools that currently are "gun-free" zones.

"The governor respects the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, but he vetoed this legislation because he supports the right of public entities to use their best discretion in matters of safety and security," said Weiss.